If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Backing up to DVDs

Hey everyone, I've come to the realization that I probably need to start backing up my hard drive before it dies. I don't need a back up hard drive, as the data I am backing up does not change. So i'm backing up up to dvds. The question is, what measures can I take to keep the disks in working order, physical (ex: dry environment) or software-wise (ex: backup software) for an extended period of time (until I need to restore data)? I'm not stuck on dvds, they're just the cheapest way to back things up, and I figured if I didn't use them after I burned them untill I had to restore the data they would last a long time if I go through the correct process of backing up the files.

One of the biggest factors i have come across regarding lenght of life for CD/DVD's is the manufacturer.

You can buy cheap discs, and they die in 6 months time or dont even work on the first burn.

There are SOME brands that offer a lifetime guarantee on their media. It may cost you extra, but it is worth considering.

Please note that there will ALWAYS be inperfections and circumstances which will cause even the most secure data to be destroyed, least of all on removable media - But making sure you go with a good brand will put you above the rest.

CTO

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex... It takes a touch of genius --- and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction."
- Albert Einstein

The latest Kodak DVD archival material which is supposed to have a life of 100 years. It is expensive though.............. I would be inclined to check other manufacturers for their archival material. Also, price getting another drive.

The reason I suggest another drive is at least it will allow you to reliably update your backup, and I am wary of rewritable media.

Wrong.... HDD's are very cheap compared to many years of DVD throwaways. A DVD is like an ancient slow floppy drive to the drives. A raid will check behind the scenes to correct errors. Next time, you burn a CD.....turn the computer off. Do the same with a software raid.